Flight Manual for Gas Balloons of Type NL-STU
Issue 2.0
May 02, 2016
Page 4-12
4.8 Preparing for take-off
Before take-off, the balloon must be left to stand for at least 15 minutes with the appendix
closed in able to detect a possible loss of gas. This is intended to ensure that the envelope is
not damaged or leaking after the inflation operation.
4.8.1 Checking the weather situation
The current weather conditions and the weather forecast for the flight must be checked once
again – particularly with regard to whether the weather situation forecast for the take-off time
has actually materialized.
4.8.2 Checking the equipment
All technical equipment required for the flight must be switched on, adjusted and checked to
ensure that it is functioning correctly before take-off.
4.8.3 Instructing the passengers
Before take-off, the passengers must be carefully instructed at/in the basket in how to behave
correctly during the flight. Correct behavior during flight/landing and during the performance of
emergency procedures is of particular importance.
At the very least, the instruction should cover the following points:
NOTE:
Instruction in the landing procedures must be repeated again before landing.
Clear instruction:
The passengers must follow the instructions of the pilot in all situations.
Position in basket:
Each passenger must be assigned a specific position in the basket. He
must move into this position immediately during landing and in emer-
gency situations.
Objects:
All objects that are not required must always be tidied away and se-
cured against falling out.
Landing:
For landing, all occupants of the basket must hold on tightly to rope
handle inside the basket. The muscles in the legs must be tensed and
the knees bent slightly. The landing procedure must be observed to
prevent surprise due to the basket touching down suddenly.
Disembarking:
No-one may leave the basket until the pilot has given the instruction to
do so.
